AUS vs SA 2025: ‘Trying to establish myself in the T20I side’

Young South African cricketer Ryan Rickelton has acknowledged that he is keen on making one of the opening slots of South Africa’s T20I setup his own via his performances in the upcoming three-match 20-over series against Australia. The attacking opening batter was also honest in admitting that he has still not cemented his position in the T20I squad. 

With the T20 World Cup 2026 in mind, the left-handed batter would certainly be keen on impressing the think tank to take him to India and Sri Lanka for the multinational tournament. However, one aspect he was very clear on not changing was his aggressive approach with the willow. He shared that it was in fact the exact manner his team wanted him to play up top.

“I’m still trying to establish myself in the T20I side but I don’t think there’ll be any expectation for me to change anything that I’ve been doing in these last two years. It’s just an opportunity for me to hopefully claim that opening spot for this South African side, going into the World Cup and further on past that. The way the team is structured fits the mould of how they want me to play too, so I’m pretty comfortable with what’s required,” stated Rickelton, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

It will take a few more sessions for me to get going: Rickelton

The southpaw also provided key insights on his own form along with that of the rest of his teammates as far as the practice sessions were concerned ahead of the T20Is. As the series is on the beckoning, the Proteas wicketkeeper-batter is also keeping a watchful eye on other members of the squad. He said that his teammates are looking in good rhythm ahead of the assignment.

“I haven’t been hitting the ball too well these last couple of days but I’m not too worried. We’ve played a lot of cricket this year already and it’s not something that you just lose, full stop. It will take a few more sessions for me to get going. I’m watching the rest of the guys, they’re really hitting the ball quite nicely and you can see the guys that have been playing are moving a lot better than a few of the guys that have taken a little bit of time off,” he added.

The first T20I between Australia and South Africa is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, August 10. Lhuan-dre Pretorius is likely to open the batting alongside Rickelton.

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